HORSEFORD HILL is taken to account for Santia and Mutual Friend. Nicky Henderson's charge has looked most progressive and credit must go to the trainer for the competent manner in which he has found targets. A rating of 120 could be made to look a generous one as the horse has made habit of not winning by too far. Santia dotted up over two miles at this course in a real non-event. This looks a much sterner examination of his credentials. Mutual Friend was hit with a 10lb rise for a success at Southwell and this quirky character will find life much tougher off this mark. Dais Return has been in good nick in a couple of weak novice contests. Kempley Green and Is It Me have it to do on recent evidence. Horseford Hill could be ahead of the assessor and is recommended accordingly.
Mutual Friend (USA) 8-1 (11-12) Held up, mistake 3 out, headway soon after, effort next, stayed on same pace, went 3rd final strides, 3rd of 8, 8l behind First Point (11-9) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Jun.
Is It Me (USA) 33-1 (11-12) Led until ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, tailed off, 10th of 13, 41l behind Oceana Gold (11-9) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in May.
Santia 3-10fav (11-5) Held up in 4th, jumped right 1st, not fluent 4th, went 2nd approaching 3 out, led 2 out, came clear flat, won at Worcester 2m hdl (4) sft in Jun beating Don Castille (10-12) by 12l, 9 ran.
Horseford Hill 5-4fav (11-2) Held up in rear, headway when not fluent 8th, hung right after 3 out, led last, driven out, won at Ludlow 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in May beating Dawn At Sea (10-2) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Kempley Green (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Behind, headway 3 out, driven to challenge after next, kept on same pace flat, 4th of 17, 3l behind Elaala (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Jun.
Dais Return (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Led, ridden after 2 out, under pressure when hit last, headed narrowly flat, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 8, nk behind Presque Perdre (11-12) at Cartmel 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gs in May.
